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Popcorn Update


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Well my husband and I were wondering why we hadn't heard back from the Pullman, W.A. Veterinary University.

 

 

Well being the mentally changelled individual that I am (neurological condition- long story) I had unknown users blocked in my emails and had forgotten about that.

 

(It just took me a few days to figure that out after talking to the University who told me that they had emailed me a denial, and that I should have gotten the email).

 

 

So anyhow, I had finally called Kathy and she gave me their phone # and so I called down there and found out that Popcorn had been denied. But they wouldn't tell me why. Just kept saying see your email. Not that I could now!

 

So to make a long story short I am going to see if the ER vet can give me something in writing to help me so I can reapply and hopefully get him in the next time.

 

 

Otherwise it will have to be a regular vet that takes payments and I am not having a whole lot of luck with finding one of those.

 

I can come up with the dopplar test money up front, but they want to do other tests as well, and... well... being on SSD, sometimes making payments are much easier.

 

Now before anyone yells at me for it....please don't. I get tired of being told I shouldn't have a dog because I am ill.( I used to make a ton of money working when I was healthy.

 

But being sick doesn't mean I should have to give up my dog...does it??? Because I tell you- I won't!! (OK rant over).

 

Anyhow, I'll keep you all posted.

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Popcorn is doing so well!

 

We have started out gently exercising him and keep him very cool (he loves to sit in the kiddie-erm doggie? pool)and so far no problems!

 

We let him & Pepper play tug of war with his jolly ball with the rope or the old beat up soccer ball.

 

 

TugOWar-1.jpg

 

TugOWar2-1.jpg

 

No full out running.

 

It doesn't stop him from hoping for a more active game, but he rests often because I make him. But he's good about it too.

 

Resting.jpg

 

I agree with the vet and I too think the problems that day, came more from the overheating (which did have to do with the heart prob) than the heart problem itself.

 

He does definately have a murmur or a gurgle or whatever (we don't know for sure which yet) but I think he is ok until we get him in, as long as he doesn't overdo it.

 

Like the vet said, after Popcorn had came out of whatever issues he was having that awful evening: He doesn't seem to be in dire distress anymore, but do be worried. You need to have him diagnosed and find out what's wrong. Maybe not today or tommorow- but soon.

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Guest WoobiesMom

I'm sorry to hear Popcorn was denied and NO! I don't think you should have to give up your dog(s)! I'll say a lil' prayer that you find an incredibly skilled vet who is happy to work out a payment plan that works for you. Good luck!

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Beth, I just want to say that the average person does not budget for this sort of medical problem for their pet! You are doing the very best you can under the circumstances and obviously want the best for your pet. Anyone who would give you a rant for trying so hard to get all these tests for Popcorn deserves the rant.

 

I really hope that whatever happens, Popcorn's health can be managed so he can have a long and content health. I also hope your vet is willing to work with you and your situation so Popcorn gets the care and love he needs. Being a good owner isn't about boundless finances. It's about commitment and love and you have plenty of that.

 

Even a newbie like me can see that in every post you make!

 

*HUGS* to you and Popcorn!

Bex and Molly

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Beth,

 

Don't pay any attention to anyone who says you can't take care of your dogs. Since they're happy, that should be proof enough. And you're obviously smart enough to try to keep them healthy. The 'system' is the problem, not you.

 

A couple of things you can do is:

 

#1-Don't take no for an answer. Keep trying the Univ. or

 

#2-Call around to different vets and see if someone might know someone who has experience without being a specialist. When we adopted JJ he had a hygroma on his right elbow. After doing our research on what a hygroma was and how it should be taken care of, we were at odds as to which vet to take him to. I feel a lot of vets around here are not up-to-date on different conditions and we were scared if we made the wrong decision, we would end up with a 3 legged dog. When JJ's leg started swelling, we took him to the ER. The ER vet told us of a vet that wasn't a specialist but he had a lot of experience. The vet knew what he was talking about and it didn't cost as much as a specialist would have.

 

Good luck and I'll keep you and Popcorn in my prayers.

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Yeah because I have two people wanting to help out with donations but the present vet won't let them send it there. They want them to use credit cards but that doesn't sound right to me.

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I can only echo what has already been put Beth, being ill certainly does not make you not be able to look after a dog. If you can give any animal a good life, what it needs and love too which you obviously do then that is all that matters. I personally don't think that anyone has the right to any animal just because they can. I would much prefer to see an animal in a home getting what it needs and love and care ( like your lovely two) with someone who has a few problems of their own, than someone fit and able who doesn't really give a damn about their pets.

 

 

I hope that you find a better vet, who can sort out your payments to suit you. I know they need paying but our vet is very good if someone can't afford the payments all in one go then i have heard she will let them pay per week. Which in the case of pensioners etc ( i know that's not you) they can have thier animals treated when they need it and can pay gradually. It is not just people with illness though even when couples are both working and these unexpected vet bills come in it is hard to just have unlimited spare money. Especially those with children to pay for.

 

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

I like your siggy by the way and avatar pic. :rolleyes:

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I am just a vet student, hardly weathly by any means, and last summer I had 1 dog almost die, 1 did die of cancer and then my rescue cat needed emergency surgery. AFTER all my student discounts the medical costs for my 2 dogs and cat added up to about $5K. I had to put some on credit cards, sell my washer and dryer and some other stuff, use my emergency savings and the rest went on a "Care Credit" card. It is a special credit card that is interest free for 6 months and can be used to pay medical, dental or veterinary expenses. I can't imagine I possibly earn more per month than you do and they approved me for a card (I live off student loans and a part time job). You might want to try them. My other suggestion would be to put away some money each month. Some places will let you make payments if you can pay at least 1/2 up front.

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I'm sorry that they didn't let Popcorn in. I have no idea why they wouldn't have.

 

I am a firm believer that as long as you can love and care for your animals there is never anything wrong with it. I know I never planned for Black Jack's x-rays, meds, and vet charges. I don't think anyone has that kind of money set aside for stuff like that.

 

He sure seems to be happy though. It's nice to see him tugging.

 

Good luck, I hope Poppy feels better soon :rolleyes:

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Yeah because I have two people wanting to help out with donations but the present vet won't let them send it there. They want them to use credit cards but that doesn't sound right to me.

 

You could try PayPal. I know someone here got donations recently through them. Sea4th I think it was... maybe they could help you out on the way to do donations through there.

 

I also would not be able to afford to do this test for Riven. I dont think badly of you at all for not having out of pocket money for it. Wishing you luck...

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I know, but I have to do everything I can for my little buddy. He is my heartdog.

 

The thing is that I used to have a paypal account which sat empty for awhile, yet still got hacked at alot.

 

They kept sending me messages about it, but when I tried to cancel that account, they wouldn't let me.

The same thing happened when I made another account ,and also to my husband's account.

 

So that put me off of paypal.

 

 

I guess I don't understand why the vet won't accept the donations....?

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As I recall, Donald McCaig's dog Harry was diagnosed with a bad heart valve (which caused a heart murmur) after he came close to collapse at a dog trial. He had a complete workup at Va Tech which led to the diagnosis, but there wasn't any treatment recommendation except to take it easy with the dog and don't let him overexert himself. (Donald retired him from trialing at that point.) You're already doing that with Poppy. So maybe it wouldn't make that much difference whether the University took him or not. Still, I don't see why they wouldn't re-email you the email that was blocked, so you'd know why they made the decision they did.

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Beth,

 

Is this vet the owner of the company or part of a group? Is there a separate billing dept? Maybe he's not aware exactly how billing works??? Check to see if they have that special credit card Liz P suggested.

 

It also wouldn't hurt if you ask the vet or billing dept if they could give you a discount. For months I was taking our cat to the vet 1-3 times a week. She had blood in her urine. The vet put her on a number of different meds, taking urine samples, x-ray and an ultrasound. After bladder surgery, she developed complications. She started running a fever and her poor little belly swelled up like she swallowed a baseball. It seemed like there was one problem after another. One day I made the comment about how expensive it was getting. I can't remember the vet's comment but that's when I told her I had to turn in my notice at work due to the fact my mom had a double mastectomy and her radiation treatments lasted 2 weeks longer than my leave and the company wouldn't extend my leave and now I'm taking care of her. After opening up to her, she started cutting me some slack...only charging me for meds but not the office visit or charging me an office visit but not for an x-ray she took, etc.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is....Is your vet in the business for the money or do they truly believe a pet is an actual member of the family and it's health is a priority? I'm not saying all vet's are like this but it's been my experience there are some vets out there who just show up to give shots. I've lost a couple of pets because the vet didn't want to pursue it further, didn't take me seriously when I said something was wrong. Your vet knows for a fact there's something wrong with Popcorn. If he won't work with you to get him the help he needs, I'd get a different vet. Trust me, they are all NOT alike. Some are definitely better than others. But that's just my opinion.

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I just spoke to Beth and she asked me to write. The vet Poppy saw is an employee of the Pet Emergency Clinic. They never see regular clients and never know anything about the folks who come in with emergencies. That is why they operate on credit cards only. During the day several specialists have appointments in the same building, all referrals from the regular vets in the community. The other fundraising for special dog expenses I have been involved with all functioned with folks calling the vet clinic involved and making donations by credit card. This is pretty standard. Don't forget, some of you live in small communities where everyone knows you, or have lived where you are long enough to have a long-standing relationship with your vet. Beth isn't that fortunate, as she hasn't been here all that long, and Spokane is a city. Local merchants have been burned so much with bad checks, that many places don't take checks from strangers any more. Cash or check thank you very much. Poppy is seeing a new regular vet tomorrow, and the hope is that he will be able to give Beth more information than she has been given so far. She will write and let everyone know how that comes out.

 

Kathy

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Thanks for the update Kathy. Unfortunately, I have a relationship with our vet because our cat's problem (and JJ's). And you're right, our vet is in a small town. On the bright side, this will give Beth the opportunity to develop a relationship with Poppy's vet. Wish it didn't have to take this to get it but unless you've been going for years to the same person, it's the only way.

 

I'll keep her and Popcorn in my prayers.

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As I recall, Donald McCaig's dog Harry was diagnosed with a bad heart valve (which caused a heart murmur) after he came close to collapse at a dog trial. He had a complete workup at Va Tech which led to the diagnosis, but there wasn't any treatment recommendation except to take it easy with the dog and don't let him overexert himself. (Donald retired him from trialing at that point.) You're already doing that with Poppy. So maybe it wouldn't make that much difference whether the University took him or not. Still, I don't see why they wouldn't re-email you the email that was blocked, so you'd know why they made the decision they did.

 

Yeah I agree. There's no reason they shouldn't be able to email you again. Maybe you should check your "junk" mail folder and see if it's in there. And what if anyone willing to help with donations could send you a check or money order, you cash it, and then just pay part of the bill with cash. Also, like McCaig, maybe keeping in control of his activity level, and keeping it in a comfortable zone, isn't so bad an option long term. And if you have further problems then continue where you left off. That's always an option, though you feel bad that he cant run as much as he'd like too. Being that he's such a young dog makes it harder I'm sure. I dont know what I would choose in your situation. But whatever you decide you have friends who will support you in your choice.

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Well, erm...we went to the vet today at 4:00 pm, and he ,um...wasn't there!

 

I guess left early today, and my understanding was that there was some snafu where the receptionist forgot to tell him about our appointment.

 

So Kathy & Steward Robbins, and I have made an appt to try againt tommorow at 3:00 pm.

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Nope emails in my junk box.

 

I'm just going to go with the vet that Kathy and Stewart Robbins suggested. We will all go again and try again tommorow. Now if he suggests further care we will get a clearer written statement for the college and reapply again.

 

Now if you would all like to make donations for Popcorn's future care based on what the vet says tommorow, WyoBC(A.J.) and I have been talking and, either he can handle the finances(you donate to him he will help me out by using his credit) or I can try and make another Paypal account but I just don't trust Paypal.

 

So I'm hoping to talk to the vet tommorow and if Popcorn needs further care, I am hoping to be able to work out with this vet for your donations to go straight there.

 

Now the vet info is:

 

MILLWOOD ANIMAL CLINIC

 

9303 E Trent Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206

 

(509) 924-5800

 

http://millwoodanimalclinic.com/about.html

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Good luck with the vet Beth. I really hope Popcorn likes him. That's always important with a vet. Whatever Popcorn needs, he has a person who loves him and that's what he needs more than anything else.

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